Chapter 01 / Fireworks

January 1st, 15.002 La Paz, Ashveil Desert, Umbra [Vampire Continent]

“I have the feeling you vampires don’t celebrate the start of the year like the rest of us.”

“I’m sure we vampires do not celebrate a non-rational date in the calendar like a prince.”

“When are you leaving?”

“Here we go again… You missing me already?”

“I miss you all the time.”

He turned his head then, just enough to meet her eyes.

“You never, not even once, asked me about what happened during the Red Moon.” She pointed out. 

“I don’t want to talk about what happened months ago. When are you leaving?”

“How fun to be you and decide what to talk about so selfishly.”

“When are you leaving? Please, just answer.”

“I don’t know.”

“Why? Did Jeda finally convince you to stay?”

“He offered me a good deal, not gonna lie. What do you have to offer, instead?”

“I’m not going to start the year playing your games.”

“How boring.” She pointed to Risha with her chin. “Should I explain? Will he understand? Will I be able to leave after looking at his reaction? Do I simply vanish?”

“You’re asking the wrong questions.” He leaned back, gaze shifting from her to the horizon where the fireworks faded into ash.  “Are you ready to carry the weight of being missed? Because leaving him won’t erase you. You’ll exist in him — and in me, but I won’t say that out loud. That’s the curse of belonging. You don’t get to choose it once it happens”.

“You were right months ago. I should have thought about this better. I should have been long gone by now”. 

The shoreline of La Paz shimmered under the light of almost a hundred lanterns. Fireworks streaked the desert night, scattering red, gold, and violet across the waves. The air smelled of salt, burned paper, and roasted meat drifting from a big fire. La Paz had only been founded two years ago, but tonight it pulsed like an ancient city: packed with voices, songs, and the noise of people trying to believe in new beginnings.

Sukira sat higher up on the dunes, legs stretched out, the cool grit of sand pressed into her boots. A few steps below, her companions mingled with the crowd. Old and new faces, all sharing the heat of the moment, the start of a new year. 

Eloise and Dominique sat shoulder to shoulder near the bonfire, Eloise leaning her head against Domi’s as if she’d always belonged there, ignoring completely the jealous eyes of another young vampire nearby. Jeda, bottle in hand, was drinking as there was no tomorrow along Sami, both laughing too loudly and teasing Tech. Risha darted between them and the fireworks, sparklers fizzing in his hands, as if he’d been born to this kind of joy, playing catch with two other kids he met a few months ago and had become inseparable. 

Elon was beside Sukira, back against the sand, eyes on the sky. 

♥︎

Most of the citizens of the newborn city were already drifting away, small floating lanterns carried back toward the city, children slumped in their parents’ arms. The shore quieted to the occasional crack of a firework and the laughter of a few teenage lovers tangled in the dunes.

Risha and the other two kids had collapsed mid-game, near the big fire where the adults were gathered, sparklers still smoking in the sand. Cloud curled protectively around them, ears flicking whenever a voice cheered too loud.

“Finally. Still can’t believe there’s a kid with more energy than Risha”. Sami said with a maternal tone while watching the snoring boys near the fire. “Their parents around?”

Jeda snorted, swaying on his feet with the bottle and a cigarette dangling from his fingers. “Parents? Those three are fatherless pups.”

“I’ll take care of this little beast.” A tall, red haired man stood behind those words, the expression on his face and his sharp factions made him look unapproachable. The fully-tattoed man stepped closer, hands tucked in his pants. He arched a brow, then tipped his chin toward the smallest of the group, the boy with bright red hair, just as his. 

“That’s the least you could do, that’s your brother right there, Axis.” Dominique replied from the round near the fire. 

“Fatherless brat, indeed”. Axis replied. 

Elon shifted beside Sukira, brushing sand from his trousers as his eyes slid toward Risha, who was clinging to the hound with one hand and to another kid with the other, even in sleep. “That one is mine.” He said out loud, pointing at Risha, while descending from the upper part of the dune. 

Everyone looked at him and slightly smiled. The night, even in its cold breeze, felt warm. 

“Who’s the other boy?”, Eloise asked with a sweet voice, pointing at the third kid, a dark-brown haired human, the one holding hands with Risha. 

“Haru,” Ailin, Elon’s and Eloise’s sister’s voice cut in, low and certain. She had been standing quietly near Dominique, but now she stepped forward, her golden-threaded robe stirring in the desert breeze. 

Always mysterious, she said nothing else. Everyone looked at her waiting for more information. 

Dominique broke the suspense. “Haru… who? We get it, they are all fatherless kids but any sibling or something around to take him to bed?” 

“Haru… he’s no orphan of chance. The Elite pulled him from the ruins of a human village in the outskirts of Verellen, in Eloria, just hours before demons swallowed the rest. Only survivor. Aaron sent him over time ago; he is one of the firsts citizens of this dream of ours. He belongs to La Paz now.”

A bitterness rounded the air from the group for a few seconds. 

“Well, it seems you get 2 for the price of 1”, Jeda said, talking directly to Elon. 

Immediately after, Elon raised a hand, and with a ripple of magic, the two sleeping children lifted gently from the sand, floating as though the air itself carried them. Axis took Reno in his arms. Elon kept Risha and Haru drifting at his side, their heads still lolling together.

As the small procession moved toward a big building, right next to the entrance of the beach’s edge, Jeda cupped his hands around his mouth. “Oi, Axis! Sunshine! Don’t you dare vanish to bed—get your asses back to the fire. Still half a bottle waiting.”

Axis didn’t look back, but his voice carried a sharp and dry laugh. “Can’t say no to the boss.”

The group of adults watched them go, fireworks dying over the water until only smoke curled above the waves. The night was quieter now, the noise of new beginnings fading into tired breathing and embers.

♥︎

The stone steps from the beach to the main hall were slick with sand. It was a short walk, no more than ten minutes. Axis adjusted Reno’s weight in his arms, the boy’s head falling against his shoulder. Elon kept his hand steady, Risha and Haru drifting beside him in a slow ripple of magic.

They walked in silence, the muffled pop of the last fireworks still echoing behind them. In Elon’s room, they laid the children on a wide bed. Axis lingered, prying Reno’s fingers loose with care, while Elon gently lifted Haru’s hand from Risha’s and placed it against the boy’s chest.

“There’s no need for that,” Axis said when he noticed Elon starting to draw a protective spell on the bedroom’s door.

“Right.” Elon paused in the doorway. “Old habit.”

They started back toward the beach.

“I believe we haven’t really met,” Axis said flatly. “Not going to pretend I don’t know who you are, though. Your kid seems to have become good friends with Reno.”

At the words ‘your kid’, Elon’s mouth betrayed him with a smile he didn’t try to hide. “I came here to raise him.”

“I’ve heard.” Axis’s tone dipped, edged with derision. “Some of us would kill for the chance to ignore politics like that.” His mouth curved — not quite a smile.

Elon didn’t rise to the bait. “Yeah, some of you really like to kill. Not my style.”

Axis laughed, sharp but short. “I wasn’t judging. Or maybe I was, but not my intention. Excuse me. Sometimes I think one day I’ll start bleeding anger just because I care too much about everything.”

“My younger brother’s the same,” Elon said, thinking of Aaron — how cruel his words could sound when he was trying to fight back a world he couldn’t change on his own.

Axis tilted his head. “Ah, Aaron. He is indeed like that. Do you get along with him? You seem… distant.”

“I’m not distant. I just don’t want to get involved in things none of us can control.” Elon ignored the first question; he didn’t have an honest answer.

Axis gave a soft laugh this time. “You remind me of Ryn. Might’ve seen her. Skinny, black hair with bangs, carries a sword bigger than her own body… looks like she could kill you just by standing there. Doesn’t talk much. Anyway, she was cold and aseptic. Now she’s on the field, training cadets.”

Elon finally looked at him. “Your sister, right?”

“Yes. Half human, like me.” Axis’s tone sharpened, clipped and rehearsed.

“Your brother, Reno — he’s not half anything,” Elon said. He could feel the boy’s strength even in sleep, pure and untempered.

“No,” Axis admitted, voice thinner. “Pure vampire. The last untouched line in our family. And the one the old man watches most carefully.”

“The old man? Wasn’t he supposed to be one of the ‘fatherless’ too?” Elon asked, trying to fit the pieces together.

“All our parents died when the Velarics swept through.” He was talking about Dominique’s parents, the current rulers of Umbra. “The Vexmeres, we always stood with the Varns’ progressive politics. When they killed Sukira’s line, they took mine down too.” His jaw tightened. “Me and my little siblings are alive thanks to my grandfather, who plays the monster so no one looks too closely at who’s really funding this place.”

They reached the edge of the beach, the firelight flickering ahead. Axis, who looked far more dangerous and bitter than he truly was, added quietly: “I really hope this place opens your eyes, sorcerer. We might need you.”

♥︎

By the time Elon and Axis returned, the fire had burned low, throwing long shadows across the dunes. Jeda immediately leapt up from where he’d been sprawled, bottle in one hand, cigarette in the other, grinning like a predator who’d caught the scent of blood.

“There you are,” he drawled, voice too loud, too cheerful. “Took you long enough—”

“Don’t hang on me, Jeda, you’re heavy.” Elon shoved him aside and sat down next to Sami.

Sukira rolled her eyes, yanking the bottle from Jeda before he spilled it. “You’re not even drunk. You just like the sound of your own voice.”

“Half-drunk,” Jeda corrected, pointing at her as if it was proof. He swung his attention toward Tech, seated stiffly on the far side of the fire. “You. Pink genius. Tell me—how long until this place blows up?” His arms opened wide at the now-silent shore, the last sparks of celebration gone.

Tech pressed his fingers to his temple, staring at Jeda with the flat patience one saves for children. “Talking to you is like talking to a brick. An uneducated, loud, self-satisfied brick. Unlike you, Jeda-idiot, I don’t waste energy performing. And I do not reply to stupid questions. No one will find La Paz”

“No one will find La Paz”. Jeda’s grin widened as he repeated those words. He thrived on being disliked by Tech. “Hey Sami, want to tell us again how you cracked the system our genius built? The one where you waltzed in and stole ALL our secrets AND found our location AND located your brother here without no one noticing until it was too late?”

Tech’s face went red so fast even Eloise bit back a laugh.

Sami tilted her head, a slow smirk tugging at her mouth as she stared at the ground. “I already told that story three times. Lost its magic.”

“Maybe my brother’s the one losing his magic,” Dominique added sweetly, never missing a chance to tease him.

Tech growled, a sound low in his throat. “A reckless breach. Won’t happen again.”

“You’re still sore about that?” Sukira’s voice cut in, dry, smirk sharp in the firelight.

“Admit it, Tech—you liked the challenge,” Axis added, trying to smooth the heat before it boiled over.

Tech’s eyes narrowed, not at Axis but at the first voice. “Sukira Varn. Still delighting in chaos, I see. I would’ve expected more restraint from someone who should be way dead by now.”

“I shouldn’t even be here, right as always, smart ass” Sukira shot back, tilting her head toward Dominique, who sat too close to Eloise, the two of them pretending not to notice Ryn’s unblinking stare from across the circle. “If I'm even here, you should thank your twin for that.”

That got a laugh from Jeda, who immediately jabbed a finger at the three young girls. “Oh, now this is interesting. Are we finally ready to admit who’s sharing whose bed in this little family?”

Dominique flicked a pebble at his forehead without looking. “Go to hell, Jeda.”

He rubbed the spot, grinning wider. “Worth it.”

Ailin finally spoke, her voice drifting like smoke from the shadows of her cloak. “Be careful. Secrets rot faster when you drag them into the open.” 

Silence. Heavy, deliberate.The fire popped. The desert wind hissed through the dunes. The moment stretched too long, until it wasn’t playful anymore.

“When are you leaving me?” Jeda asked, eyes locked on Sukira, tone too light, even for him.

The words dropped like stones into water:

“Nooo—” “Are you fucking kidding me?” “Jeda, you asshole—” “Don’t!!” “Why would you ask her that now?” “Stupid child behaviour” “That’s like inviting her to leave!”

The whole circle erupted at once, voices overlapping, hands throwing sand and twigs and curses in his direction. Everyone knew there were lines you didn’t cross—and Jeda, reckless as always, had bulldozed through the worst one.

“She left already,” Elon said, plain and flat, between the chaos.

The voices fell silent. They turned, all at once, to the place Sukira had been sitting.

“Are you completely out of your mind?” Sami snapped, her voice cutting across the circle like a whip. She yanked the cigarette from Jeda’s mouth and crushed it in the sand. “She’s like a wounded beast — you don’t just walk up and poke her.”

“You fool,” Axis added, arms folded, voice low but firm. “I know you’re afraid of losing her, but you never seem to learn from your own mistakes.”

“He’s an idiot. He can’t learn,” Tech muttered, just because he saw the chance; he didn’t care about the situation at all, but annoying Jeda was a guilty pleasure.

“I haven’t been scolded like this since I was in high school.” Jeda flexed his hands, still grinning, though his eyes flicked toward the place where Sukira had been. “Relax. If she wanted to bite my head off, she’d still be here. Besides—” his grin faltered slightly—“you all wanted to ask. I just said it out loud.”

“Don’t play noble,” Sami shot back. “You’re not the only one with a mouth. You’re just the one too stupid to keep it shut.”

“That’s debatable,” Jeda said, though his voice lacked its usual sharp edge.

The fire crackled between them. Eloise shifted, gaze sliding toward Elon. “Aren’t you going to go after her?”

For a moment, it seemed he was, and everyone thought that, too. Then Elon exhaled, steady but a bit embarrassed. “She might be angry at me too. I can’t pretend otherwise. I did the exact same thing Jeda just did.”

That silenced the group more effectively than any scolding. Even Jeda blinked. Then he laughed—not as loud, almost tired. “See? Sunshine gets it. She’s not going to leave just because I asked. And she’s not going to stay, even if two idiots begged her to.”

“Then why ask at all?” Axis pressed, more curious than angry now.

“Because it’s who I am,” Jeda replied simply. “I’d rather drag the truth out kicking and screaming than let it rot inside us.” He leaned back on his elbows, eyes on the stars. “And maybe it’s the new year, maybe the buzz has finally hit. I was… feeling hopeful.”

“This year isn’t going to let anyone stay the same,” Ailin said suddenly. Everyone turned toward her, searching for meaning in her words. She offered none.

“Okay…?” Sami sighed. “She’s right about one thing. This year’s going to be different. We’ve all got work ahead of us.”

Eloise nudged Dominique with her shoulder, forcing a smile. “Don’t look so grim. It’s New Year’s. New beginnings, remember?”

Dominique smirked, but her eyes flicked quickly toward Ryn, still staring at them from across the fire. “New beginnings, yes.”

Axis pushed himself to his feet, shaking off the gloomy atmosphere. “I think it’s time to call it quits, folks.”

Tech stood abruptly, brushing sand from his long coat, as if the whole gathering had stained him. “What a waste of time,” he muttered, voice clipped and cold. “Happy New Year.”

He turned without another glance, heading toward the stone steps that led up from the beach. His long pink hair caught the glow of the dying fire, sharp against the night. From behind, you couldn’t tell if that was him or Dominique. 

Sami pushed herself up almost immediately. “Oi, genius,” she called, jogging after him. She caught him by the steps, one hand on the railing, the other planted on her hip.

He didn’t look at her, just adjusted his neck. “If you came to gloat again about your little ‘hack,’ save it. I’ve heard enough.”

Instead of teasing, her tone softened — the kind of warmth she reserved for Risha when he was scared. “No, Tech. I never really apologized. I barged into your system and tore it apart. But I needed to sneak my brother in. Not my proudest moment.” She gave him a crooked smile. “I’m sorry.”

That stopped him. For a second, he just stared, suspicion written across his sharp features. Then he huffed, turning away again. “Apology… accepted. With conditions.”

“Oh?” Sami leaned in, amused.

“You’ll join my department,” he said, as if it were the most obvious solution in the world. “Your… chaotic methods would be marginally useful. And maybe if you’re kept busy under proper supervision, you’ll stop breaking into my work.”

Sami blinked, then let out a surprised laugh. “That’s your way of asking me to work with you? Cursed spirits, you’re adorable.”

Tech bristled, ears going red. “Adorable is not a word I accept in professional contexts.”

“Fine,” she said, grinning now. “I’ll join. Consider me signed up. Just one warning—if you think you are supervising me, you might get a surprise.”

Tech had no retort ready. He tightened his jaw, muttered something about “undisciplined variables,” and stalked off up the path. But his pace was slower, almost waiting for her to follow.

Sami lingered a moment longer at the steps, watching, reading the younger vampire like an open book. 

Across the fire, Ryn was still staring. Dominique shifted uneasily under the weight of it, Eloise pretending not to notice.

Jeda snapped his fingers. “Ryn. Stop it. Go.” His voice was sharp, but not unkind — more like a friend tugging another out of trouble.

For a moment, Ryn didn’t move, eyes still locked on Dominique. Then, with a flick of her black hair, she turned and strode toward the steps without a word.

“What was that?” Eloise asked, voice low, frowning.

Dominique cleared her throat, too quickly. 

Axis gave a quiet snort, stepping in. “History.”

“Old history,” Jeda added, waving it away with a lazy grin. “Leave it, cupcake”.

Eloise didn’t look convinced, but she let it drop. Dominique muttered something about being tired and stood, Eloise following her lead.

The four of them — Ryn, Dominique, Eloise, and Axis — drifted off with a few paces of difference, firelight chasing their backs.

When they reached the room’s building, at the top of the stairs, Dominique and Eloise slowed. They shared a glance that lingered too long to be casual.

“Good night,” Dominique said softly.

“Good night,” Eloise answered, her voice warmer, eyes staying on the other girl even as she turned toward the chamber’s door.

One by one, the others peeled away — Ryn disappearing down the hall, Axis heading firmly to his quarters, Dominique and Eloise slipping into separate rooms. Sami passed by with a stretch and a yawn, and Tech muttered something as he stalked past her.

The beach emptied, voices fading into the corridors until only two figures remained by the dying fire.

“This gives me memories, Sunshine”. He offered a cigarette but Elon denied it. Jeda put the cigarette on his own mouth and lit it, grin crooked but faint. “So. You gonna check her room, or am I going alone?”

They went together. The door stood half-open, lamplight cold against the empty walls. No sign of her nor Cloud.

Elon lingered in the doorway, the weight of absence pressing down. “What did you offer her?”

Jeda’s grin tightened, for once without humor. “Don’t be like this. You know I can’t say.”

Elon’s gaze stayed on the empty bed. “I don’t have a damn thing to offer her.” His voice was low, bitter—just the truth.

Jeda went to his own bed. Elon did the same but mid-way remembered how three little kids were sleeping there. 

♥︎